Broadcaster, DJ and Museums at Night 2011 Ambassador Lauren Laverne was
at the former Royal residence of Kensington Palace last night (March 30
2011) for the official launch of Museums at Night 2011.

The
nocturnal programme of cultural openings takes place during the weekend
of May 13-15, with hundreds of museums, galleries and historic
properties opening their doors for special events and tours during the
hours of darkness.

The Culture Show presenter said she was
"absolutely thrilled" to be involved, predicting a vintage year for the
campaign before warming to the nocturnal theme.

“What I love
about the idea is that it is at night-time,” she said. “The human
imagination is inherently nocturnal. We all think creatively and we’re
all so much more open at night.

“I also think that night is the
time when everybody is themselves. We’re not at work, we’re not being
what we do, we are who we are, everybody is a kid again, everybody is
receptive to new ideas and new experiences so I think Museums at Night
is just a genius thing really."

The presenter also highlighted
the sheer range of events already planned for May - from ghost tours and
art house film screenings in unusual locations to sleepovers and
city-wide museum and gallery celebrations.

“Absolutely anything
you can imagine is going to be happening, and of course our imaginations
are going to be primed to accept it, which I think is wonderful.”

She also confessed to being excited about an event in her native North-East.

“Durham Cathedral is doing storytelling – the spooky storytelling of MR
James – in the cloisters,” she said. “And then they have an art
exhibition and all sorts of stuff including a concert.”

The
Museums at Night Ambassador later joined guests for a sneak preview of
what awaits visitors to Kensington Palace during the open weekend.

With
the help of explainers and costumed characters, guests were led through
the majestic Royal Rooms and apartments of the Historic Royal Palace
for a special twilight tour of their acclaimed exhibition the Enchanted Palace.

The interactive installation of mysterious objects includes dresses designed by Zandra Rhodes and Viviennne Westwood and gowns from the Royal Collection as well as giant puppets, enchanted forests and other weird and wonderful artefacts recalling the lives of seven Royal princesses.